Vietnam Sees Surge in STEM University Applications as Skilled Workforce Drive Intensifies

Vietnam is witnessing a significant surge in university applications for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, with over half of applicants choosing these majors for the 2026 admissions cycle. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, nearly 467,600 of more than 874,800 university applicants have registered for STEM majors, accounting for 53.45% of all candidates. Applicants submitted nearly 2.37 million STEM-related preferences, representing about one-third of all university applications. This marks the first time the ministry has released detailed data on STEM applications. Education experts attribute this surge to a shift in students' career choices, moving away from economics and social sciences which historically attracted a larger share. The growing interest aligns with the government's accelerated efforts to strengthen the country's science, technology, and innovation capacity and develop a highly skilled workforce for strategic industries, as outlined in Politburo's Resolution No. 57. Bui Hoai Thang, head of the Training Office at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology under Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, cited a combination of supportive government policies, rapid technological advancements, and improving employment prospects as key drivers. He noted that Resolution 57 has heightened awareness of STEM's importance, while the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies makes these careers increasingly attractive to young people. Another significant factor is the Government's scholarship policy under Decree 179, effective July 15. This decree offers annual scholarships ranging from VND37 million to VND55 million ($1,407-$2,091) for outstanding students enrolled in basic sciences, key engineering disciplines, and strategic technology programs. Eligibility requires meeting admission score requirements and ranking among the top 30% of entrants in their respective fields, with scholarships renewed based on academic performance. The scholarship scheme is part of broader efforts to expand and upgrade Vietnam's STEM workforce to develop capabilities in strategic technologies under Resolution 57. The Ministry of Education and Training aims to increase the proportion of university students enrolled in STEM disciplines from the current 29% to 35% by 2030. More than 771,000 students are currently studying STEM subjects nationwide, according to the ministry. It has also approved 90 talent-training programs at 23 universities to strengthen links between higher education, scientific research and strategic technology development. Approximately 22,250 students are expected to receive government scholarships starting September this year, with this number projected to rise to around 30,000 in 2027. The program will be supported by an annual budget of roughly VND1.3 trillion ($50 million). According to Professor Nguyen Van Hieu, vice president of Phenikaa University and rector of Phenikaa School of Engineering, Decree 179 will encourage more talented students to pursue STEM by improving perceptions of science and technology careers while strengthening incentives for high-achieving applicants. However, experts caution that scholarships alone are insufficient for building the highly skilled workforce needed for the country's long-term development. Tran Manh Cuong, vice rector of VNU University of Science, emphasized the need for greater investment in lecturers, laboratories, research facilities, and teaching infrastructure, particularly in the fundamental sciences, to ensure universities can produce graduates capable of mastering and developing future technologies. Source: VnExpress International